(Photo: Decider)

College Football Playoff- Quarterfinals

(8) Ohio State Buckeyes at (1) Oregon Ducks

Ohio State: I believe the week off in between the loss to the Michigan Wolverines and their playoff game against the Tennessee Volunteers was the best thing to happen to them. As I mentioned last week, they took Michigan a little too lightly and they lost their fourth consecutive game to their rivals. I remember being on the radio after their win against Indiana and that was the best I had seen them look. That game can now take a seat back to their performance on Saturday against the Volunteers. First, I saw a Buckeyes team that took the loss to Michigan very personally and they couldn’t wait to get back on the field. One thing I took away from “The Game” was how Michigan pounded the lanes with the running game and I just had a feeling Tennessee would follow suit as teams can unveil blueprints on how to attack their opponents. Ohio State shut that running game down before it could even get jump-started and the Vols didn’t stand a chance. Talk about daring the young Quarterback, Nico Iamaleava to beat you and he couldn’t. Entering the first round, Will Howard was my x-factor and he saved a quality performance for when his team needed him the most. Everything clicked on all cylinders for this team which is why they were able to get back into the win column on December 21st. Talk about protecting the home field, they did just that. On New Year’s Day, they will face the top seed in the bracket.

Oregon: They have been one of the three best teams I’ve seen in the country this year. After years in the Pac-12, they made the transition to the Big Ten and have done it flawlessly. I understand things can be challenging when you’re making that jump from one conference to another, but they handled their business and in their first year, not only did they get to the Big Ten conference title game, they also won it! I’m a fan of Dan Lanning and the coach he’s become and also in my opinion, he’s one of the five best Head Coaches in the nation. He’s young and fiery and brings out the best in his players. I can admit to you all that when Nick Saban announced he was retiring and Alabama was looking for a Head Coach, I thought Dan would be in consideration for the job, but he announced he was committed to Eugene. When I think of Oregon football, speed comes to mind along with the prolific offensive attack. They may not be as explosive as they once were all those years ago, but they know how to pick their spots and attack defenses. Dillon Gabriel was a hand and glove fit for this offense and he was so good in his first year with the Ducks that he was a Heisman candidate. He can impact the game as both a passer and runner. The last time we saw this football team play was on December 7th and they got all they could handle from the Penn State Nittany Lions, but still came away with the victory. On January 1st, they will do battle with the Buckeyes.

Ohio State X-Factor: Carnell Tate– The Buckeyes have the best group of Wide Receivers in the country with Jeremiah Smith as the lead dog and the veteran, Emeka Egbuka. Let me introduce you to Carnell Tate. First, you can’t double-team multiple guys because someone will be open regardless. Carnell is just in his second year and has become another weapon that Will Howard can depend on. He’s that playmaker that once he touches the ball, he’s looking to make his moves in space. Carnell is always attacking the middle of the field. Even with coverage all over him, he finds his way to the ball.

Oregon X-Factor: Matayo Uiagalelei– This is the Ducks’ top pass rusher and in this game, they will need him to be at his best. Matayo has become a ball of fury for this Oregon defense. He’s a 6’5, 270 pound who plays on the edge and moves as if he was shot out of a cannon. Matayo plays as if he is still trying to prove something. He has such a strong first step, the instincts to work his way around and through blockers and rushing the passer is his specialty. He must give the Ohio State Offensive Line all the fits in the world in this game.

Final Thoughts: These two met on October 12th in Eugene during the regular season. The Buckeyes looked to be in control, but my biggest takeaway was how Oregon punched back each chance they had the football. Oregon escaped with a one-point victory and this wound up being one of the best football games I’ve seen all season. Many of us thought we’d get the rematch in the Big Ten title game, but Ohio State didn’t hold up their end of the bargain at the end of the regular season. Now, we get these two for a trip to the Semifinals and it’s taking place in Pasadena, California at the Rose Bowl! I’m expecting fireworks in this game as both offenses will light up the scoreboard just as they did in the October meeting. This Buckeyes defense has been playing stellar football since the loss to the Ducks giving up less than 12 points per game and they haven’t allowed a passing touchdown since playing Oregon. When I watched these two in October, I noticed that Jim Knowles decided to leave his Cornerbacks on an island which led to many explosive plays from Oregon. In the Rose Bowl, the Buckeyes defense must make Gabriel feel the pressure and this is a talented group of Oregon Wide Receivers, if given the time, they will make you pay. Offensively, Ohio State must be creative and when Chip Kelly keeps defenses guessing, there’s not a defense that can slow this unit down. On the Oregon side, running the football will be a vital recipe for your success. Feeding Jordan James the ball early will get Oregon jump-started. Next, the Ducks must let the Quarterback shine. Dillon Gabriel had one of his best games against Ohio State in October. There have been times when he hasn’t had to do much because Oregon was dominant in other facets of the game, but in a contest of this magnitude, they need to turn him loose. Lastly, they must contain Will Howard and make him uncomfortable. This Oregon defense can not come out flat on Wednesday. This will be close just as it was the last time and I like Oregon to advance to the round of four.

Prediction: Oregon 38, Ohio State 34